the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Beat the Heat” Initiative template
The United Republic of Tanzania is set to roll out the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Beat the Heat” Initiative, a global programme designed to address the health impacts of extreme heat and environmental hazards, especially in outdoor workplaces and large-scale public events.
With support from WHO, the initiative will help strengthen Tanzania’s preparedness and response to climate-related health risks.
This would be achieved through technical guidance, coordination support, and practical tools aimed at protecting those who are most vulnerable.
Implementation has been running from January 2025 and will go on to June 2026.
Tanzania is one of the first countries globally to launch this initiative, which is being implemented under a partnership between WHO and FIFA and supported by the World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund.
Tanzania’s activation of the initiative comes at a crucial moment as the country prepares to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025.
The tournament is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators in high-temperature outdoor environments.
“This initiative is a timely and strategic step forward in protecting the health of all those involved in outdoor work and events,” said Dr Galbert Fedjo, Officer in Charge at WHO.
“By integrating heat protection into CHAN 2025 and beyond, Tanzania is setting an example for how countries can respond to the realities of climate change and its impact on public health.”
Through the “Beat the Heat” Initiative, Tanzania will implement a comprehensive set of interventions.
These include the development of national heat-health action plans, the deployment of early warning systems and emergency heat protocols, and the provision of shaded rest zones, hydration stations, and protective gear for outdoor workers and event staff.
The initiative will also involve training health responders and event organizers in heat-related illness prevention and first aid.
WHO will play a central role in providing technical guidance, implementation tools, and coordination support.
This is to ensure the initiative reaches those most at risk, including outdoor workers and vulnerable populations affected by rising temperatures and poor air quality.
Global trends indicate that the health burden of extreme heat is rising.
WHO estimates that by 2050, heatwaves could be responsible for more than 1.6 million deaths each year. Meanwhile, air pollution already claims over 4 million lives annually worldwide.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a daily reality,” said Dr. Honest Anicetus, Head of the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Unit in the Ministry of Health.
“The Beat the Heat initiative will help countries like Tanzania turn preparedness into action, with the tools to protect lives in the face of rising environmental risks.”
By adopting this programme early, Tanzania is not only demonstrating its commitment to building climate-resilient health systems but also enhancing occupational safety standards and ensuring that major public events like CHAN 2025 are safer for everyone involved.
The initiative underscores the growing urgency of integrating environmental health considerations into public planning and emergency response.
Tanzania’s leadership in this area may serve as a model for other nations facing similar climate-related health challenges.
About the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund was established to ensure that the benefits of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup extend well beyond the tournament itself.
Managed by FIFA, the fund supports long-term development initiatives that promote health, education, inclusion, and sustainability across the globe, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A key focus of the fund is to address climate-related health risks.
Through a strategic partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the fund is helping countries implement the “Beat the Heat” initiative, an effort to protect populations from extreme heat and environmental hazards.
The fund also supports sports-based community programmes and capacity-building projects aimed at enhancing public health and social well-being.
